To Gosforth Park NR with a Bittern Magnet

30^th Nov.  I was much in need of a restful few hours so was pleased to take some time out in Gosforth Park Nature Reserve today with my trusted Bittern Magnet, Sam.

We arrived at the reserve to find the reserve under sunshine and with a storm cock singing loudly from the top of the tree.  Thankfully no storm arrived, but it did cloud over and become cold as the day went on.

 

Our walk around the reserve brought us good sightings of amongst other things Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Roe Deer, a single Grey Squirrel and horses in what I think was the first race at Gosforth Park today.

The pond provided us with sightings of Cormorant, Grey Herons, Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveller, Tufted Duck and numbers of whistling Wigeon.  I’m also quite sure we had a female Scaup here today which kept diving near to the reed-bed and tern island.  Sighting of the day however was a very close fly past of the hide by a Bittern.  Well I suppose the Bittern was no more than could be expected when the Bittern Magnet is present.  The Bittern appeared out of no where and was in any event too close to photograph as it went past the hide.

As we headed towards the feeding station Jays were heard. Believe it or not some senseless dog walkers allowed their dogs to run into the reserve.  Four of the damn things.  One of them running into the reed-bed.  The explanation from one senseless owner was that his ‘dogs were running’.  This guy had obviously never heard of the word control.  What chance for giving nature a home when the world is full of thickos?  The feeding station sightings included the usual Great Spotted Woodpecker and today at least three Treecreepers.  Good day with the Bittern Magnet.  Thanks Sam.